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Make a deal with Harmer

As county administrator, he could bring much-needed focus and stability

Thomas Harmer, former deputy county administrator, was appointed interim
administrator in October after the Sarasota County Commission dismissed
Randall Reid. Last week, commissioners offered Harmer the permanent
position, pending agreement on a contract.

STAFF PHOTO / RACHEL S. O'HARA

Published: Sunday, February 2, 2014 at 1:00 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, January 31, 2014 at 7:16 p.m.

The Sarasota County Commission acted sensibly last week by asking Thomas Harmer to permanently -- well, not forever -- perform the duties of county administrator.

In October, Harmer was elevated to county administrator on an interim basis. That move was made after Randall Reid -- who, ironically, brought Harmer to Sarasota County to serve as his deputy -- was dismissed as county administrator.

Suffice to say, Harmer has impressed his bosses, the five elected county commissioners. The commissioners originally told Harmer that they would consider permanent status after six months; last week's offer came after three months.

It's difficult, even for those who work in county government, to judge the performance of an administrator in charge of such a large, multifaceted organization.

But it's apparent that Harmer has gained the respect of the commissioners -- perhaps the most important achievement for an executive who works for politicians in a very public setting.

Changes at the top

What's more, outward signs suggest that Harmer helped stabilize a workforce that had been tugged and pulled by changes in top management: Between May 2011 and October 2013, a 29-month span, the county had four administrators (including Harmer).

When the commissioners made their offer last week, they asked the county attorney and Harmer to negotiate a contract. Particularly in the interest of much-needed stability and focus, we hope they make a deal.

Although Harmer's role in the creation of policies has not become clear, it seems as though his diverse professional background is serving him and the local government well to this point.

As the Herald-Tribune has reported, Harmer has 26 years of experience in local government, including a stint as city manager of Titusville; that position should make him aware of, and sensitive to, the needs of Sarasota County's three cities and one town.

Harmer was also executive director of Titusville's Community Development Agency and its fire chief and emergency manager. As county administrator, Harmer will deal with the people, policies and procedures in each of those areas.

Business background

Prior to becoming Sarasota County's deputy administrator, Harmer was senior vice president of a national real estate company. We hope that experience helps Harmer shape a local government that encourages economic growth for a wide range of the community; his time in government will, we trust, enable him to balance private and public interests.

County government needs both constructive change and stability. Let's hope Harmer can provide both.

<p>The Sarasota County Commission acted sensibly last week by asking Thomas Harmer to permanently -- well, not forever -- perform the duties of county administrator.</p><p>In October, Harmer was elevated to county administrator on an interim basis. That move was made after Randall Reid -- who, ironically, brought Harmer to Sarasota County to serve as his deputy -- was dismissed as county administrator.</p><p>Suffice to say, Harmer has impressed his bosses, the five elected county commissioners. The commissioners originally told Harmer that they would consider permanent status after six months; last week's offer came after three months.</p><p>It's difficult, even for those who work in county government, to judge the performance of an administrator in charge of such a large, multifaceted organization.</p><p>But it's apparent that Harmer has gained the respect of the commissioners -- perhaps the most important achievement for an executive who works for politicians in a very public setting.</p><p>Changes at the top</p><p>What's more, outward signs suggest that Harmer helped stabilize a workforce that had been tugged and pulled by changes in top management: Between May 2011 and October 2013, a 29-month span, the county had four administrators (including Harmer).</p><p>When the commissioners made their offer last week, they asked the county attorney and Harmer to negotiate a contract. Particularly in the interest of much-needed stability and focus, we hope they make a deal.</p><p>Although Harmer's role in the creation of policies has not become clear, it seems as though his diverse professional background is serving him and the local government well to this point.</p><p>As the Herald-Tribune has reported, Harmer has 26 years of experience in local government, including a stint as city manager of Titusville; that position should make him aware of, and sensitive to, the needs of Sarasota County's three cities and one town.</p><p>Harmer was also executive director of Titusville's Community Development Agency and its fire chief and emergency manager. As county administrator, Harmer will deal with the people, policies and procedures in each of those areas.</p><p>Business background</p><p>Prior to becoming Sarasota County's deputy administrator, Harmer was senior vice president of a national real estate company. We hope that experience helps Harmer shape a local government that encourages economic growth for a wide range of the community; his time in government will, we trust, enable him to balance private and public interests.</p><p>County government needs both constructive change and stability. Let's hope Harmer can provide both.</p>